Bondi Surf Club Building Works

Feb 01, 2016

30th January 2016
Over several years, a Building Sub-Committee has been working towards the Clubhouse development component of the club’s Mission Statement developed by a previous Board of Management under President Andy Winters which reads:
“The Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club Board of Management wishes to maintain and develop the traditions and talents of its members so as to continue its role as a uniquely multi-faceted community organisation across its lifesaving, education, training, junior development and competition programs. To ensure the long term foundations of the Club, especially in its primary role of saving lives on Bondi Beach, and to ensure its financial viability that allows those programs to operate, the Board wishes to develop its Clubhouse by improving services to its members and extending revenue raising opportunities.”

To that end, and presented with a joint venture opportunity arising from the development of the current Waverley Council 10 year Plan of Management for Bondi Beach Park, consultation and planning progressed to the point where architects Tonkin Zulaikha Greerwere appointed jointly by
Waverley Council and the Club to explore design options for a co-operative development involving a rebuild of the Council Works Yard to the rear of the Club and an expansion of Clubhouse facilities.

In the twelve months since the appointment of the architects the building sub-committee has worked collaboratively with Waverley council representatives and specialist consultants through regular design meetings.

This culminated with a presentation of the surf club’s component of the scheme by club president Jacob Waks in late October 2015.

Following Councillors’ approval to proceed to lodgement, planning progressed to the stage where a development application (DA) was lodged with Waverley Council in December 2015. This DA is currently
on public exhibition with interested parties invited to make submissions. You can track the DA online using Waverley Council’s DA tracker tool.
Club representatives continue to work closely with both Council and the Club’s Board of Management to work through the detail with the aim of achieving a result to the benefit of all stakeholders.

What will this mean for the surf club?
* Dedicated area for storage of Nippers’ gear
* Dedicated rooms for training and general meeting
* Improved IRB and surf craft storage areas
* Internal lift access to and expanded Scenic Lounge
* Improved gym location above boat shed
* An opening up of the front of the club from the Scenic Lounge and Main Hall
The Club’s financial contribution to this co-operative development is yet to be settled but is likely to be in the order of $3 million.

The precise terms under which the co-operative development will be undertaken are yet to be finalised with Council and negotiations continue.